Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 17, 2023
Read Luke 24:13-27
13 On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. 15 While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. 16 They were prevented from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast. 18 The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?” 19 He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. 20 But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. 22 But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. 28 When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. 29 But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” 33 They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.
Good Morning, What a mighty God we serve!
Each morning, as I sit and spend time in meditation, I feel God surrounding me. Some days I seem to be in a hurry to get on with my day, but there are those precious mornings when I take time to linger and enjoy that moment. I sit very still so as to not disturb or disrupt the flow of energy. As time passes, we join in conversation through my reading of the morning scripture and prayer.
Today’s passage provides me with two important connections. First, when the two speak of feeling their hearts on fire as Jesus explained the scripture. When I read a passage of scripture, I have developed a process where I read it several times. First, I read it through and reflect on the general idea. Next, I read stopping and asking questions as I read. Then, I focus on those particular parts with which I need to wrestle.
One of those mysteries of God is when on a particular day you may discover something in the text that you’ve never heard or noticed before. Obviously, it has been there, but you weren’t ready to receive that part of the message yet. At some point, I reread the entire passage and let God speak to me as I read.
The second connection is how Jesus made himself known to them through the breaking of bread. Holy Communion is a sacrament through which we come face to face with our Lord and Savior. Sometimes we rush through the moment and don’t fully embrace our time with Jesus. Allow yourself time to linger in that precious, divine space. Engage all of your senses as you see, smell, touch, and taste the bread and wine. Open your ears as Jesus calls you by name to join with him. Be fully present and enjoy time with Jesus.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. Help us to slow down and experience Your presence in our lives. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God may not be visible, but God is always with me
Take time to linger with Jesus! Pastor Liz
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